Eileen Kersey writing out of Yorkshire, England

Andrew Marr, Trump, Farage, Corbyn and Le Penn

13/11/2016

Trump and Farage New York this weekend

Jeremy Corbyn and George Durack will attend ceremonies at the Cenotaph Sunday

Op-ed: It is Sunday November 13, 2016.

In the UK it is Remembrance Sunday. A day when parades and ceremonies remember those who died in WWI.

These days we also remember those who died in WWII and selective later wars.

Last year's Remembrance Sunday a fairly newly elected Labour Party, leader Jeremy Corbyn, was attacked by sections of the mainstream media.

Why?

Some claimed he did not bow his head low enough at the Cenotaph opting to ignore the fact that other attending politicians such as David Cameron quickly left for a VIP lunch while Mr Corbyn stayed on to watch the parade and chat with veterans.

This year Remembrance Sunday falls on the one-year anniversary of Bataclan.

Ninety people were massacred by terrorists at a packed rock concert in the Bataclan theatre November 13, 2015. Saturday night English singer-songwriter and former Police frontman Sting appeared at the Bataclan's first gig at the 150-year-old venue since the deadly terror attack.

But today BBC News has opted to invite extreme right-wing French politician Marine Le Penn to appear as a guest on the Andrew Marr show.

While many have condemned the timing of her appearance others have said today is the perfect day: that however may be too subtle for some.

There are protesters outside of the BBC building.

Le Penn has said there is a hair's breadth between her political party, the French National Front party and UKIP here in the UK.

UKIP has tried over many years to distance itself from the far right of politics but it is what it is.

Defending its decision to allow Le Penn prime political air time today the BBC has said it will be inviting all French political party leaders as that country gears up for national elections.

If Le Penn is elected President of France you can kiss goodbye to the EU and perhaps peace across Europe and beyond.

It says something that UKIP leader Nigel Farage met with US President elect Donald Trump in New York Saturday.

UKIP have been milking that meeting for all its worth stressing PM Theresa May is not due to meet Trump until next year.

For many in the UK Farage is a joke and not a very good one. Fox news however, another Murdoch based media outlet, is giving him airtime.

Remember Farage is not a UK MP as he lost the election he fought.

The Andrew Marr show has just kicked off and I am tuning in.

There will be one voice of sanity among the right-wing madness, that includes General Francis Richard Dannatt, Baron Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL a retired senior British Army Officer joining the paper review on Marr, and that is Jeremy Corbyn.

Dannatt touted Dan Jarvis MP as a future Labour leader, good guy and more. But Dannatt is a Tory. He worked for David Cameron 2009 to 2010. Dannatt thinks Jarvis is a good man but they are friends.

He touted Jarvis in front of Corbyn who was sat close by. Mr Corbyn's interview is early in the show as he has to leave for the Cenotaph. This year he is taking a friend, a war veteran with him, George Durack.

The west is taking a big lurch to the right and we face uncertain times.

We need people like Jeremy Corbyn in power and soon.

Corbyn is an honest and genuine person which is a rare commodity in politics old and new.

Andrew Marr tries the "Corbyn is London and out of touch approach" but it is you Andrew who does not live in real world.

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Veteran Labour politician Denis Healey dies

3/10/2015

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Spitting image exagerrated those bushy eyebrows

Veteran British Labour politician Lord Denis Healey has died at the grand old age of 98. He died at his Sussex home after a short illness; his wife Edna died in 2010.

Tributes are being made to Healey who was Labour's defence secretary from 1964 to 1970 and Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1974 to 1979 before becoming deputy party leader in opposition in 1980 - BBC News.

But for this English woman who was approaching her teen years in 1964 Mr Healey is remembered for his bushy eyebrows, which were the butt of many a comedian's joke, and for being a 'silly billy.'

Healey was of course far from a 'silly billy' but Mike Yarwood, a funny impressionist of the sixties, coined the phrase and it just stuck.

As the Glasgow Herald reported in April 1978 "Chancellor Denis Healey tried to impersonate comedian Mike Yarwood during an election walk-about yesterday.

The real Lord Healey

Usually it's the comedian who takes off Mr Healey — but this time the Chancellor had his revenge. He approached road-sweeper Mrs Naomie Johnson in the street and announced: hello I'm Mike Yarwood."

Mrs Johnson reportedly answered no you are not, you are Denis Healey, to which he replied no I am not, I only look like him!

A great politician and a man with a sense of humour then.

The relatively new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to Healey Saturday saying he was "a Labour giant" and P.M. David Cameron, Tory, said he was a "huge figure of post-war politics".

In death obituaries cross political boundaries most of the time

Spitting images, a satirical puppet show which ran on TV in the U.K. from 1984 until 1996 concentrated on Healey's eyebrows and reinforced the silly-billy phrase. The Spitting Image team unmercilessly lampooned all major British political figures and a few from further afield, notably Russia and the U.S.A.

But Lord Healey could easily rise a bit of fun and will be remembered for his long political career.

Life in pictures
Dennis Healey obituary and bio at BBC News

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Time for Labour to get behind Jeremy Corbyn

18/9/2015

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Op-Ed-Hull, UK; Assem Allam is a local businessman, originally from Egypt. He is owner of the local Football League Championship team, Hull City.

This week Allam has been in the news following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour party.

Often business and the big money it makes do not go hand in hand with the Labour party, a political party of socialist origins.

But in this case it does, or rather it did; multi-millionaire Allam has been one of Labour's top donors but that could be about to change. He is not happy that Corbyn was elected party leader but it was a democratic election when all is said and done.

Whether Corbyn fans would have supported the party had one of the other candidates won the leadership election is not known; probably not in some cases but that is immaterial.

Corbyn is party leader and we all have to work with what we have and that means giving the people's choice a fair chance.

As always Mr Allam is prepared to put his money where his mouth is and has said he will fund Labour MP's who want to break away from the party and either form a new more left of centre party of even swing over and join the Liberal Democrats.

New Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron believes his party could be onto a winner following Corbyn's victory.

He has hinted at conversations with disenfranchised Labour MPs who may make the jump to the Lib Dems.

Division has been done before though and it did not work.

A so-called 'gang of four' split to form the Social Democratic party in 1981. Four senior Labour Party 'moderates' broke to form the SDP; they were Roy Jenkins, David Owen, Bill Rodgers and Shirley Williams.

They also believed that Labour had become too left-wing for its own good much like some Corbyn doubters in September 2015.

For the two general elections that followed they joined forces in an alliance with the Liberal Party and in 1988 formed the Social and Liberal Democrats. The Liberal Democrats were formed in the late 80's.

All the breakaway from Labour achieved was to help the Tories and Thatcher to political success, rip apart Labour and setback Labour's political success for years.

Surely current Labour party representatives should take a lesson from history?

Labour must know that 'together we are stronger' as after all the right-wing live by a very different adage 'divide and conquer'?

The gang of four proved they were not worthy Labour party representatives when they caused a huge rift for their own ends.

So let those not worthy in 2015 go their own way but do not let them try to con you that it is for the good of all.

Mr Allam is used to getting his own way for a price. He has already been defeated in his quest to change the name of Hull City to the Tigers which is the team’s nickname locally. Allam wants the change as he believes it will bring financial success by way of marketing.

He may be right that "rebranding the club is the only way to bring in new investment from overseas" but the FA and fans do not agree.

With the help of people power Hull City remains Hull City.

Can people power save Labour from his attack?

Opinion: I voted for Andy Burnham in the leadershup race. I am happy he was man enough to accept a job in the cabinet and respect the vote.

Corbyn is party leader and unless he does something dreadful he has my support. Does he have yours?

Jul7, 2016 as the pathetic Labour coup rumbles on the Canary has reported on Assem Allam

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Jeremy Corbyn media scrum

16/9/2015

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Op-Ed: Saturday Jeremy Corbyn was announced the new leader of the Labour party in the U.K. with Tom Watson elected as his deputy. Corbyn was the clear winner and won easily on the first round of voting.

Four days later, Wednesday, Mr. Corbyn took his seat opposite David Cameron in the House of Commons, as leader of the official opposition party of British politics in September 2015, for his first Prime Minister's Question time as party leader.

Corbyn and his team have had a whirlwind few days and it is difficult to believe that there has previously been such a headline grabbing new party leader. But he has not made any attempt to grab a single headline; rather it has been the mainstream media, much of it right-wing biased, pouring over almost every breath Jeremy takes.

The media scrum outside of his home, a private residence, resulted in a BBC cameraman sustaining injuries that necessitated medical treatment Tuesday.

PMQs meme Wednesday

In the flurry of journalistic activity outside of Corbyn's home a cameraman ended up on the ground. "Mr Corbyn said there was a group of photographers outside his gate "pushing and shoving" and a camera fell to the ground "during the melee"."

As political opponents look to latch on to any perceived Corbyn negative the BBC is reporting Wednesday "The Department for Transport says it is investigating claims that a Government Car Service driver was involved."

Reading reports regarding the incident it clearly looks as if someone somewhere is looking for a political advantage in that story. Corbyn called it a minor accident saying ""He [the cameraman] then pulled the car door open just as we were pulling off, telling me his camera had fallen off... and I said I'm sorry about that but it's hardly my responsibility if you lot are pushing each other. "Nobody was hurt - I've no idea what damage was sustained by the camera. End of story."

It once again shows the biased mainstream media reporting; imagine a scrum of journalists surrounding a member of the royal family and their entourage as they tried to leave a residence; imagine if you can.

The story would be reported from a totally different angle.

Mr Corbyn's four days in the limelight has been mainly as a target for attack.

First it was the male to female ratio of his new cabinet. As Corbyn told the media his cabinet has a better male female balance than any previously. But that was not enough and the press concentrated on what they have decided to view as the top four cabinet jobs. However as three experienced female Labour MPS refused to work in a Corbyn led cabinet his choice was somewhat limited.

Two of those women were Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall who stood for party leader against Mr Corbyn. The other candidate Andy Burnham opted to take a cabinet post.

There followed a storm-in-a-teacup blown out of all proportion by the media. Mr Corbyn attending a WWII remembrance chose to stay silent when it came to singing the national anthem and the right-wing press pounced.

The Telegraph opted to report it this way Tuesday "The new Labour leader was heavily criticised for failing to sing God Save the Queen, failed to get his lines right in his first keynote speech and faced a resignation threat from one of his shadow cabinet ministers" and boy did they love reporting all of that.

Wednesday Mr Corbyn has said he will sing the national anthem when attending such events in the future.

Finally today it was PMQ's and a very different Common's debate.

Mr. Corbyn decided to contact supporters and others ahead of PMQ's and fielded questions from the public. Able only to ask six questions Jeremy had to choose from 40,000 lobbied. He opted for questions on the housing shortage, tax credits and mental health service cuts.

As he got to his feet there were cheers from the Labour benches but it was quickly clear Wednesday was going to be a very different affair; less "theatrical” to quote Mr. Corbyn.

So instead of the tit for tat name calling serious issues were put to P.M. Cameron and the odd jibe at Corbyn from the Tory benches was ignored. He did not rise to the bait when it came to the U.K. military, Trident or that national anthem incident.

Opinion:
Andy Burnham was my choice for party leader with Tom Watson as deputy.

However I support Labour principles and will throw my support behind the new part leader as he gets to grip with his role.

Watching PMQ's Wednesday I wondered if Corbyn is a chess player. Whether he is or not I look forward to watching our new party leader settle into his role.

He has said he wants a 'collegiate' approach.

That may or may not work.

He will however know that right-wing publications such as The Sun, The Telegraph and The Express are waiting with bated breath for anything that they can use negatively against Corbyn and the party.

They along with the Tory party did a hatchet job on Ed Miliband as he fought the 2015 General Election.

Mr. Corbyn does not have front bench experience to rely on but he has chosen a good cabinet mix, has vast experience and is a man of principles.

Does it bother me that he did not sing the national anthem? No. I do not see it as disrespecting war heroes. He stood in silence as a mark of respect to those who fought and those who died.

It does bother me that the mainstream media have tried to make it a real issue when the country is facing increased unemployment, welfare cuts, more war and a migration crisis.

A lifelong rebel he is the antithesis of any Tory. That suits me and cannot be a bad start.

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Labour Leadership open letter

13/7/2015

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Op-Ed: Victoria Derbyshire hosts a morning show on the BBC and it has mixed success. According to BBC bosses the number of people tuning in has exceeded the company's expectations but remain relatively low.

Monday the Derbyshire show was from Leamington Spa. A long show was dedicated to the Labour leadership race and all four contenders were in the 'hot-seat'.

Andy Burnham, Liz Kendall, Yvette Cooper and Jeremy Corbyn answered questions from what looked like a mainly left-wing audience.

Each candidate answered the questions thrown at them thoughtfully but from their own perspective. Not so very long ago Andy Burnham was expected to win the leadership battle but since the four candidates were selected the race has opened up.

A great many words are being spoken about Labour change and making the party electable in 2020 but change for change sake is never a good thing.

For what it is worth here is this long time Labour voter and supporter's view.

Dirty washing should not be aired in public

There is nothing wrong with running an open and honest political campaign but there is a time and a place for revealing all.

Egos should be left at the door and the good of the people, country, party and voters must be paramount.

Monday's debate was entertaining viewing to this Labour supporter but how many Tory supporters also tuned in. Baring all to the political enemy can backfire and supply the ammo to win election after election.

Money, Money, Money

The Tories had a massive election chest stuffed fit to burst with money supplied by those who like the politics of greed; the politics of 'I'm alright Jack'; the Tory policies.

Labour will always struggle to outspend the Tories but that does not mean it can't win; President Obama won a second term in the USA against the odds and against an election money spinning campaign. The GOP outspent the Democrats but they did not win.

But political campaigns need funding; Labour support traditionally comes from the working and in some cases middle classes; those people who have less money for political support.

The Tories will always attack Labour for having its roots and finances in the Trade Union movement but we should be proud of that link not ashamed.

The Tories have their financial links in corporations, a select few, selfishness and greed.

I know which I would choose.

But in the long run political financial support needs a general overhaul to prevent any section of society buying government.

Who gets my vote

I am quite drawn to Yvette Cooper but Andy Burnham gets my vote. At 45 he is the right age to have a mixture of experience in the real world and politics. Remember the next General Election will not be held until 2020.

Whoever is elected to lead the Labour party will have five years in opposition; time to prove them worthy of the role; time to persuade 'floating' voters that Labour is for them.

The run up to 2020

The Tories have only been in office since May 2015 but have already held a so-called emergency budget; expect another budget in the autumn.

The Tories are trying to push through legislation and fulfil promises made to their supporters, such as overturning the hunting ban, as quickly as possible.

They have five years in office and their priorities have been telling.

Reforms are bound to include measures to help them gain political success in 2020 at the expense of Labour and others. They know that a divided UK suits them politically and Tory spin of 'one nation' politics is basically crap; no other words describe it better.

The sooner Labour elects a new leader and shows a united front the better.

Unity

Whoever is elected to lead Labour will not be a universal choice. That's life and democracy.

But memories of a fractured Labour party and failed leaders such as Neil Kinnock and Michael Foot flood back and refuse to go away.

Labour needs a balanced approach. It must not turn its back on its supporters but it must be a 21st Century political party.

It needs to appeal to its core supporters, win back those that jumped ship following the global economic crisis of 2008 and it must to stay strong and focused.

Forget the egos; forget the 'politics of me'; forget the public wrangling; stop playing into Tory hands, stop revealing your trump cards too early, choose your 2020 campaign manager early and choose wisely and British Labour not another American like David Axelrod.

Fight fire with fire

In trying to win over voter’s former leader Ed Miliband agreed to TV debates when the Tories refused to play ball; yet Tory spin doctors were allowed in the spin room post-debate and received too much media attention. Labour must take care not to fall into future 'traps'. Instead they must be bold, assertive and if the Tories employ dirty politics again fight fire with fire.

Andy Burnham

As I have already said Andy Burnham is the party leader for me. However if he is not successful I will throw my support behind whoever is elected.

I am Labour to the bone and that is what people like me do.

But remember staunch Labour supporters are something of a dying breed.

Labour

Elect a leader who can stand up to the Tories, win back support, appeal to the majority but a leader who still retains principles, a heart and compassion. It will not be easy filling those shoes but with party support it is possible.

As trade unionists know 'divide and conquer' was and is a tactic of some bosses and also the Tories. We must stay as one.

We set high ideals for Labour; we expect more from them as they are better than the Tories. We should never forget that nor the people that have benefitted under Labour.

But those seeking 'Labour change' must take care. We do not need a nother middle-of-the-road or right leaning political party in the UK. We need Labour.

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Jeremy Corbyn makes it onto Labour leadership ballot

15/6/2015

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Op-Ed: Forget the General Election 2015; Monday's hot political news in the UK is nominations for a new leader of the Labour Party closed lunchtime and left-wing anti-austerity man Jeremy Corbyn has made it onto the list of hopefuls.

Days ago Mary Creagh quit the race to be nominated after it became clear she would fail to get the necessary number of supporters to take part in the leadership race.

Corbyn just made it onto the would-be leader list with 35 nominations. He is described as the most left-wing potential Labour leader since 1988.

As many political pundits claim Ed Miliband's election defeat was due in part to his left wing policies no guesses as to what the mainstream media will make of Corbyn's nomination.

The Labour list of hopefuls and the number of nominations is declared as Andy Burnham - 59, Yvette Cooper - 56, Liz Kendall - 37 and Jeremy Corbyn - 35.

There will also be those hoping to be nominated on the same ticket as the above as potential deputy leader.

The four nominees

Corbyn will suit die-hard Labour voters such as this blogger but will he have the mass appeal necessary to win a future General Election in the UK?

The Tory government is looking at dishing out tough austerity measures soon, partly so that they can add a few carrots on strings for the electorate before the next election scheduled for 2020. Will the fickle voter fall for it again? Could be!

Electing a new Labour leader was overhauled by Ed Miliband. Labour supporters will be more involved this time around.

If you are a paid up member of the Labour Party you will be able to vote; however this time if you register as a Labour supporter and pay just £3 you will also be allowed a vote.

That raises some concerns for this blogger.

It is easy to see Labour enemies with money to burn signing up and voting to scupper the outcome of the leadership election.

Dirty tricks littered the election path to 10 Downing Street and a Tory win.

As the nominations were announced various people took to Twitter. Piers Morgan tweeted "If Jeremy Corbyn's the future of the Labour Party, they won't win back power for another 100 years." Left wing activist Owen Jones tweeted "Jeremy Corbyn is on the ballot paper. It costs £3 to become a registered Labour supporter. Do it now, and vote."

While I am loathe to agree with one word that Morgan says he could be right on this one.

Being old enough to remember the mainstream media's character assassinations of Neil Kinnock, Michael Foot and Tony Benn and how they quickly became men who would never be Prime Minister Labour needs an electable asset.

But if Labour give in and elect a new leader wanted by money-supported right-wing media they betray their principles and their supporters.

Is it worth that to get into government? If not how do you fancy decades of Tory rule?

It is a quandary for Labour and we the people.

Related:
Open letter to The Labour Party

Guardian

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